Actuarial and Financial Science,MC-ACTFNS

Overview

Actuaries and financial mathematicians apply mathematical models and numerical tools to practical applications, such as financial markets.

They gather statistical data on the financial decisions that people make. This provides a critical insight for business and government, helping them to make more informed decisions – especially in uncertain economic climates.

In this course, you will learn how to help organisations plan for the future and protect themselves from losses.

The core units cover the principles of finance, investment science, risk analysis and credibility theory. Optional units include practical mathematical financial modelling, applied statistics and numerical methods.

On completion of this course, your skills may be applied to insurance, pensions, healthcare, banking, business management and risk assessment. You may also play a role in determining company policy and explaining complex technical matters to company executives, government officials, shareholders, policyholders and the public.

What you'll learn

• use their exposure to a process of independently identifying a research problem and individually investigating and adapting as necessary a set of techniques to solve the problem
• widen and deepen their high level of thinking skills by posing challenging problems that are relevant, motivational creative and reflective in the pursuit of well-structured syndicated programs
• analyse, identify and use the relevant material in an Actuarial Control Cycle Format from a wide array of available data sources synthesise and process this data to ensure that the information is monitored in the light of a possibly changing problem, new information and or a change in technique
• communicate effectively in ways to appropriately interpret technical and non-technical information to a varied audience, for a range of purposes and to a professional standard.
• apply computer modelling software appropriately in statistics, finance, risk management, optimisation and other relevant areas recognising their capabilities and limitations and use appropriate technology to acquire data (e.g. internet based, library based) and present information, such as computer linked displays and internet linked overheads
• evaluate one’s own learning and develop a high degree of flexibility and creativity to adapt to change and to introduce exciting solutions to problems where focus is paramount in the learning process; maintain currency in professional practice
• show a high level of awareness of nationally and internationally relevant developments and contemporary issues involving relevant International events; apply international standards of practice and evaluate issues from a variety of perspectives.
• develop shared understandings of contemporary relevant issues which demonstrate a high and balanced level of cultural awareness in a diverse cultural setting
• demonstrate, through self-leadership, a duty of care, honesty, integrity, fairness and knowledge of principles and law to uphold the ethical requirements of the profession

Entry requirements

English requirements

Curtin requires all applicants to demonstrate proficiency in English. Specific English requirements for this course are outlined in the IELTS table below.

You may demonstrate English proficiency using the following tests and qualifications.

Have your supporting documents to hand, and ensure they meet our guidelines. The documents may include certified copies of your qualifications, English language proficiency documents and supplementary forms for certain courses.

If your documents are not issued in English, an official translation from a recognised translation service must be provided.

Recognised translation services

• National Accreditation Authority for Translators and Interpreters (NAATI) accredited translator in Australia
• The Awarding institution
• A Notary Public Office
• The official Government body
• An official and accredited translator*

*Official translations are subject to review.

If you have undertaken previous study or work that matches the content of some of your Curtin course units, you may be able to obtain credit for recognised learning, which exempts you from studying those units.

You can apply direct online through our Applicant Portal. You can access the Applicant Portal by:

1. Navigating to the relevant course page
2. Click ‘Apply now’
3. When the pop-up window appears, select “Apply directly to Curtin University”.

If you want to package your course with a Curtin English course, you can submit your application with your course application documents to streamline the process.

If your application is successful, you will receive an offer that you will need to accept or reject.

If you accept your offer, you will receive a Confirmation of Enrolment ­– a document from Curtin that details your course, how long you will be studying the course, and the tuition fees. This document can be used for acquiring a student visa.

Apply to the Australian government for your student visa. Gaining a student visa will allow you to participate in full-time study in Australia and work up to 40 hours in a fortnight. If you’re under 18 years of age, you must have approved accommodation and welfare arrangements in place before a visa can be issued.

See our pre-departure resources for helpful information regarding your move to Perth.